The New York Yankees own MLB’s fourth-best record and command a five-game American League East advantage. Yet general manager Brian Cashman isn’t rushing toward trade deadline deals, even after losing his starting third baseman for the season.
Fan demands and media speculation continue mounting. Still, Cashman made his position crystal clear this week. The Yankees front office is not aggressively chasing a third base replacement. At least not right now.
“It’s hard to make improvements this part of the season,” Cashman explained. “We’ve got what we’ve got.”
Those remarks came during Cashman’s May 20 appearance at BTIG’s Charity Day supporting Covenant House. His comments suggest a dramatic departure from the aggressive deadline approach many anticipated. The Yankees GM hasn’t completely eliminated roster upgrades. But he’s making no guarantees either.
Cabrera injury creates void
The Yankees have experienced minimal setbacks during their 30-19 campaign start. However, the infield required immediate adjustments after third baseman Oswaldo Cabrera suffered an ankle fracture against Seattle earlier this month. The injury likely ends his entire season.
Cabrera’s loss triggered roster chaos. New York has deployed a combination of Oswald Peraza and rookie Jorbit Vivas at the hot corner. Both players have failed miserably at the plate. Peraza carries a .172 batting average with a .571 OPS across 30 contests. Vivas has managed just a .182 average and is equally poor .573 OPS in limited opportunities.
The Yankees now rank 22nd in MLB third base production with a 76 wRC+ mark. That figure sits well below league standards.
Arenado speculation loses steam
Such obvious weaknesses naturally sparked trade rumors. Cardinals star Nolan Arenado emerged as the most prominent target mentioned. The former All-Star possesses elite defensive skills and proven offensive credentials. Several analysts suggested he could provide the missing championship piece.
Cashman’s recent comments suggest otherwise.
“We’ll assess it and move forward with opportunities as they start to present themselves at whatever positions they do,” he said.
The July 31 trade deadline remains over two months away. The Yankees appear willing to let the market develop before committing to major moves. They’re maintaining patience for now.
LeMahieu and Chisholm offer internal options
Potential solutions may already exist within the organization. Veteran DJ LeMahieu should return to full health by June and could shift to third base. That move depends on second baseman Jazz Chisholm recovering properly from his oblique strain.
LeMahieu has struggled since his return from injury. He’s hitting .211 with one homer and four hits in 19 at-bats. Despite posting below-average numbers the past two seasons, his versatility and veteran presence provide New York with a backup plan.
Cashman acknowledged the infield’s current limitations while emphasizing long-term thinking.
“If we can improve on things, we’ll try to do that, as well,” he noted.
Warren’s rise changes pitching plans
While infield questions persist, the pitching staff may be reducing front-office pressure to acquire arms.
Earlier this season, the Yankees seemed destined to pursue starting pitching help. Injuries to Gerrit Cole and Luis Gil created obvious rotation holes. However, right-hander Will Warren’s sudden emergence has altered those calculations completely.
Warren struggled through five MLB starts last year and opened 2025 poorly. But his last three outings tell a different story. The 25-year-old has allowed just three earned runs across 17 innings. That stretch includes a dominant 10-strikeout performance against Texas.
Yankees insider Bob Klapisch posed the crucial question: “What if Warren is really this good?”
If Warren maintains this level, Cashman may avoid the starter market entirely. Max Fried, Carlos Rodón, Clarke Schmidt, and Warren form a solid rotation foundation. This group could hold until injured players return.
“Drop Warren into the No. 3 slot behind Max Fried and Carlos Rodon, give Schmidt more breathing room as the No. 4, and maybe the Yankees can buy enough time until Gil is healthy,” Klapisch suggested.
Cashman underlines patience over panic
Despite operating in win-now mode, Cashman seems committed to measured decision-making. The offseason acquisitions of Fried, Paul Goldschmidt, and Cody Bellinger have largely succeeded. No desperation exists to fix functional systems.
“They’ve been doing what we’d hoped,” Cashman said.
Injuries and performance slumps can shift strategies quickly as seasons progress. The trade deadline could bring entirely new circumstances. This becomes especially true if Peraza and Vivas continue struggling while LeMahieu fails to regain his form.
Currently, however, Cashman prefers observation over action.
Implications for October ambitions
Standing pat rarely satisfies New York expectations. Fans demand bold moves, particularly with the franchise chasing its first World Series appearance since 2009. Yet Cashman’s cautious strategy contains legitimate merit.
The Yankees remain healthy in most areas and dominant in several key spots. Their standings position looks secure. With Aaron Judge pursuing the Triple Crown and Fried anchoring the rotation, little incentive exists for rushed deals that could disrupt chemistry or drain prospect capital.
If the Yankees continue winning with their current roster, Cashman may avoid deadline additions completely. But persistent weaknesses, especially at third base, could force July reconsiderations.
The front office message remains consistent for now: evaluate circumstances, adapt when necessary, and avoid forcing unnecessary changes.
Time will determine whether patience proves wise or costly.
What do you think? Leave your comment below.
